Monday, July 11, 2016

Variety is reporting “Battlefield” is getting the TV treatment.
Paramount Television and Anonymous Content have optioned the rights to the popular video game with the intent to develop a television series, Variety has learned.

Since debuting in 2002, “Battlefield” has amassed over 60 million players worldwide. The video game series consists of 11 different games. The franchise hails from Electronic Arts’ studio EA DICE.

The potential series will be exec produced by Anonymous Content’s Michael Sugar and Ashley Zalta.

“’Battlefield’ has a tremendous built-in, engaged fan base, making it a highly coveted piece of IP primed for long-form adaptation,” said Sugar. “Together with EA and Paramount TV, we’ll develop the ‘Battlefield’ TV series with the same commitment to robust storytelling that has made the game such a runaway success for nearly fifteen years.”

Paramount TV president Amy Powell commented: “Paramount TV actively seeks smart content from all sectors that will resonate with audiences and translate to compelling programming. EA’s ‘Battlefield’ has an incredibly dynamic narrative, coupled with a loyal fan base, which will allow us to bring this exciting and unique property to the small screen. We look forward to working with EA and Anonymous Content and thank Michael Sugar for his tenacity in bringing us this exciting project.

The “Battlefield” project marks a continuation in business between Anonymous Content and Paramount TV who have a first-look deal for scripted television content. Some of the many other projects being produced by the two companies are Netflix’s “Thirteen Reasons Why” from exec producer Selena Gomez; Netflix’s “Maniac,” starring Emma Stone and Jonah Hill; and TNT’s “The Alienist,” based on the book. “Battlefield” is the first video game-based development project for Paramount TV and Anonymous Content.

“’Battlefield’ is one of the most loved properties among our players. We are thrilled that Anonymous Content and Paramount TV will look to introduce fans to Battlefield through a new medium,” said Patrick Söderlund, executive vice president of EA Entertainment, which is repped by UTA.

EA’s vice president Patrick O’Brien added, “Michael’s track record speaks for itself. Combined with his passion for ‘Battlefield,’ we cannot imagine a better team than Anonymous Content and Paramount for this project.”

The project is not the first television treatment for “Battlefield” — back in 2012, Fox was developing an action comedy series, based on the video game “Battlefield: Bad Company,” though it was never picked up.